Hearing Conservation Training

Training Overview

Occupational NoiseTypes of Hearing LossHearing Conservation Program (1910.95)Audiometric TestingNoise Control MeasuresHearing Protection DevicesRecordkeeping and Training

Occupational Noise

A common problem found in many workplaces

High levels of noise can damage your hearing

Losing your hearing is a gradual process, and is less noticeable than other types of workplace injuries

It is a permanent handicap for those who are affected

The Affects of Noise

Psychological – can startle, annoy, and disrupt concentration.

Interference with communication, resulting in interference with job performance and safety (Confined Spaces).

Physiological – noise induced hearing loss, aural pain, or even nausea.

Types of Hearing Loss

Damage to the delicate structures of your ears can result in the loss of your ability to hear. There are two types of hearing loss Conductive Sensory

Conductive Hearing Loss

Conductive hearing loss is caused by damage to or a malfunction of the outer and middle ear. It results in a decrease in your hearing, but you can still understand speech is caused by damage to or a malfunction of the outer and middle ear. It results in a decrease in your hearing, but you can still understand speech

Caused by middle ear infections, perforation of the eardrum

Can usually be corrected medically or surgically

Sensory Hearing Loss

Sensory hearing loss is a hearing loss caused by damage to or a malfunction of the inner ear, auditory nerve, or the brain. It makes it more difficult to understand speech

Sensory Hearing Loss

Causes include noise, disease, injury, drugs

Sensory hearing loss CANNOT be corrected medically or surgically. It is permanent

Hearing loss in the workplace would most likely be a sensory hearing loss

Hearing Conservation Program

When employee noise exposures equal or exceed a time weighted average sound level of 85 dBA, a hearing conservation program must be implemented

No exposure to continuous, intermittent, or impact noise of a peak level of 140 dB shall occur

No exposure shall exceed a time weighted average of 115 dBA for continuous noise

Hearing Conservation Program

Noise Hazard Assessment Noise exposed workers and/or noise

hazards will be identified and an assessment performed by the Program Administrator.

If you feel the need to shout to be heard 3 feet away, the noise level is approaching 85 dBA.

Hearing Conservation Program

Monitoring Noise monitoring will be performed by the

Program Administrator Affected employees will be notified Re-monitoring will be performed when there are

changes in equipment, operations or periodically to ensure effectiveness of program

Hearing Conservation Program

Audiometric Testing All employees in the Hearing Conservation

Program must undergo initial and annual audiometric testing

Tests are used to gauge hearing loss in affected employees and will be provided at no cost to the employees

The initial test is used as a baseline and the annual test is used to determine if hearing loss has occurred

Audiometric Testing (cont.)

The audiometric testing procedure tests the employees hearing threshold at a range of different frequencies.

The hearing threshold is the lowest level at which the employee is able to detect the test tone at each frequency and is determined by employee response.

Tests are performed

in both ears.

Noise Control Measures

Identify noise hazardous equipmentModify the noise source so it is quieterIncrease distance between the employee

and the noise hazardLimit exposure timeUse hearing protection devices when the

above measures are not feasible and/or do not decrease noise levels below a TWA-8 of 85 dBA

Types of Hearing Protection

Most popular Foam Earplugs PVC Earplugs Earmuffs

Advantages/ Disadvantages

Earplugs + small and lightweight, comfortable in hot

environments, easily used with other safety equipment

- may work loose and require occasional refitting, require specific fitting instructions, frequently soiled

Advantages/ Disadvantages

Earmuffs + One size fits all, fits better for long periods of

time - May fit tight on your head, uncomfortable in

warm environments, problems occur when used with other equipment

Fitting Reseat hearing protection devices throughout

the work shift if they become loose or break their seal

If devices are uncomfortable or problematic, see your supervisor for replacement or alternative devices.

Never alter or modify hearing protection devices

Fitting

Make sure your hands are clean!

Caring for Hearing Protectors

Earplugs- store in clean, cool, dry place, if they become soiled or damaged, get a new pair (everyday)

Earmuffs- store in clean, cool, dry place, inspect for cracks around foam cups

Recordkeeping/ Training

A copy of the Hearing Conservation Program and standard is available to all employees

Training is required annually for all employees included in the Hearing Conservation Program

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